Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Electrifying Tentyris claims the Coolmore Stud Stakes

It was a scintillating performance by the Godolphin-bred and raced Tentyris (Street Boss), who claimed the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes by just over two lengths in the hands of Mark Zahra, who was on fire at Flemington, picking up his third win for the day.

Zahra was content to sit towards the back of the field after a slightly slow start, as Beadman (Snitzel) and Mcgaw (I Am Immortal) raced prominently up front, with Mcgaw out by himself on the grandstand side, while Beiwacht (Bivouac) shadowed Beadman everywhere he went.

It soon became clear the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt had plenty to offer. Tentyris began picking off runners from the back of the field with ease.

When Zahra pushed him between runners into clear air, he exploded, hitting the front before the clock tower and powering away to win by just over two lengths from the lone filly in the race, My Gladiola (I Am Invincible), who followed Tentyris into the race, while Legacy Bound (Ole Kirk) ran a very good third. Beiwacht battled on fairly after racing prominently and appearing under pressure early.

Tentyris stopped the clock in 1:08.10, a new race record, shaving 0.20 of a second off Switzerland’s mark from last year.

Co-trainer Anthony Freedman commented about the imposing colt:

“I think he’s very good. Today was dominant, he didn’t have all the favours but when produced showed an electric turn of foot.

“We may run next Saturday, we’ll see how he does, but he’s a very big tough colt.

“Privileged to train for Godolphin and get horses like this. Credit to all the staff here. Particularly credit to Sam. I’m now living in Sydney and he’s shouldered everything and produced him here perfectly.”

Sam Freedman added:

“It is special, and Godolphin, they’ve been amazing supporters of ours for a very long time and this colt has been with us since Day 1 and he’s showed a lot the whole way through.

“To do it with dad, he’s the reason I’m here today, so without him I’d be nothing. So it’s incredibly special.”

Winning jockey Mark Zahra explained how he was instructed to trust the horse:

“Anthony said don’t panic, just trust the horse. He was right and I just trusted the horse. I got on the back of Beiwacht and that other Snowden horse (Raging Force). The way he improves each start and the further the race went, the more he came up underneath me. He let rip when I first let go and then he thought ‘where am I’ and he started to stargaze. He’s a very good colt and what a win.

“I had the pick of a few (rides) early, but I have ridden a lot of big winners for them, and I trust them and we’ve had a lot of luck, so I was happy to stick for sure.”

Sales info: A homebred for Godolphin, who stand his sire Street Boss (USA) who has 83 stakes winners, including 10 at Group 1 level.

Pedigree info: Tentyris is the second foal of Exceed And Excel mare Deity, who won three times, and whose first foal Dios (Lonhro) won twice. Deity has 2-year-old filly Parcae (Blue Point {Ire}) and had a filly by Anamoe earlier this spring.

Deity is a half-sister to Listed winner Maternal (Street Cry {Ire}) and stakes placed La Pieta (Redoute’s Choice). Four-time Group 1 winner Divine Madonna (Hurricane Sky) is the dam of Deity, and this is also the family of Group 1 winners Baraqiel (Snitzel) and Autumn Angel (The Autumn Sun).

Godolphin claim their first Victorian Derby with Observer

It was a history-making day at Flemington as the powerful Godolphin outfit picked up their first G1 Victorian Derby, in the same year they claimed their first G1 Kentucky Derby.

The Ciaron Maher-trained Observer (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), a colt from the first Australian crop of their stallion Ghaiyyath (Ire), showed his class, leading all the way under a masterful ride from Mark Zahra, who was incredibly claiming his fourth win for the day - including both Group 1 3-year-old features - in the famous royal blue of Godolphin.

It was a clever ride, with Zahra on and off the accelerator throughout, and Observer looked the winner at the 300 metre mark. Still, he had to show his toughness to hold off the brave Arcora (Justify {USA}), with Deal Done Fast (Dundeel {NZ}) finishing well for third.

On how good Observer is, Maher said: “I think the sky's the limit for this colt, he's just so adaptable. He was unlucky in a Guineas, he’s won a Vase and now he’s won a Derby and he’s pretty similar to his old man.

“I'm rapt with our team, Mark (Zahra) is a great mate, he's riding on a real crest of a wave and there’s nothing better than to win the Derby on Derby Day. It's what it's all about.”

On winning the race and training for Godolphin, he added:

“To be given a horse like Tempted to run in an Everest and run so well and to have such a progressive colt like this, I can't thank Andy (Makiv), Jason (Walsh), Ross (Cole) and the whole team. The whole Godolphin team, they're an elite outfit, and I can't thank them enough.”

Jockey Mark Zahra, asked about his incredible day, said:

“What a day. It’s great riding for the best trainers. They do their job, I do my job and what a great day.”

On the tactics for the race, Zahra explained:

“I ummed and ahhed whether to lead, but speaking to Ciaron he gave me great confidence. I heard him say he’ll run it, so if you want to lead, just do it. He never switches right off, he’s always on the bridle, but he’s tough. He’s just like his old man and late, when they got to him, he found again. It was a very good victory.”

Sales info: Observer is a homebred for the Godolphin operation and becomes the first Group 1 winner for their stallion Ghaiyyath. He was a top-class stayer in Europe, winning four Group 1 races including the Eclipse Stakes, International Stakes, Coronation Cup and the Grosser Preis von Baden, all of these races were between 2000 and 2400 metres.

Pedigree info: Observer is a half-brother to G3 Newcastle Stakes winner Sandpaper (Snitzel), Observer’s dam Smooth (Lonhro) has always had great expectations on her shoulders, being an unraced full sister to Pierro. She has dutifully visited Anamoe since, producing a colt in 2024 by the Champion, and was due to produce a foal by Cylinder last month.

Getta Good Feeling dominant in the Wakeful

It was exactly what connections and punters wanted to see, the odds on favourite, Getta Good Feeling (So You Think {NZ}) was put into the race by jockey Mark Zahra, travelled comfortably on-speed, and won with ease by just over a length without really getting out of second gear, in what was a perfect G1 Victorian Oaks trial.

The Danny O’Brien-trained and Pinecliff Racing-owned filly brought strong form into the Wakeful, having won the G2 Edward Manifold Stakes and then running a slashing third in the G1 Thousand Guineas behind Ole Dancer (Ole Kirk).

She relished the rise in trip and showed her class, settling on the rump of Freedom Flame (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), who ensured only a moderate tempo. It was clear Getta Good Feeling had the race in her keeping as she cruised up under a hold at the 400 metres, and Zahra never needed to fully ask for an effort.

She got the job done stylishly and, visually at least, looked to have plenty left in the tank for next Thursday’s Oaks.

Trainer Danny O’Brien has always had a big opinion of the promising stayer.

“We’ve made no secret of our respect for this filly from her first start in Geelong we’ve had this week in mind for her.

“It doesn’t always play out as smoothly as what it has for her this spring but so far so good.

“She’s going to go to the Oaks in great shape. She’s a filly that is big and strong by So You Think. He won a Mackinnon Stakes on this day about 15 years ago and he’s passed away so it is great to see his filly turning up and winning this, and hopefully the Oaks on Thursday.”

Zahra was equally impressed.

“She’s a very nice horse to ride. Flew the start, then I was able to sit outside the leader on a moderate tempo, relaxed really well, she stargazed pretty much all the way up the straight, she did it effortlessly.”

“She’s a good barrier horse. A nice horse to ride. Quick out and was able to sit outside the leader and was just strolling along out there and using no effort at all. Only problem was when I took it up halfway up the straight, she had a good look around and with a bit of urging she focused a bit, and it was just the sort of win you hope for going into an Oaks.

“On the Saturday and most of them going to the Oaks, if you do that (shake it up) you can ruin your horse. I think everyone rode their race and the best horse won.”

Sales info: Bred by Phoenix Broodmare Farm, Getta Good Feeling was sold by them at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale for $400,000 to Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA). She was offered through Milburn Creek’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft where Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock purchased her for $525,000.

Pedigree info: Getta Good Feeling is a So You Think (NZ) half sister to G3 CS Hayes Stakes winner and dual Group 1-placed Elliptical (Dundeel {NZ}), Getta Good Feeling is one of four winners for winning mare Marquise Da Rossa (Testa Rossa). Marquise Da Rossa has a 2-year-old full sister to Getta Good Feeling named Diamond Bloom, and a yearling filly by Alabama Express. She unfortunately slipped from her mating to Pierata last year.

Panova too strong in the Carbine

Champion trainer Chris Waller has made the G3 Carbine Club Stakes a launching pad for talented fillies in recent years, and the next to potentially follow that path is the exciting Trapeze Artist filly Panova.

It didn’t come easily for Panova and jockey Tommy Berry, who settled well back in the field as favourite Regal Award (Ole Kirk) strung them out, making it a genuine staying test. Lachlan Neindorf drastically upped the tempo halfway through the race, and Berry had Panova out in the open improving steadilly throughout.

When Regal Award kicked hard in the straight, Panova still had plenty to do, but she gradually built through her gears and had the race in her keeping by the 100-metre mark, drawing clear to win softly out wide by just under two lengths. Regal Award lost no admirers in second, while Single Choice (Anders) was sound in third a further length and a half away.

Waller has won this race with Fangirl (Sebring) and Aeliana (Castelvecchio) in recent years, with both fillies going on to become Group 1 winners. Notably, both had also won the G3 Reg Allen Stakes at their previous start, with Fangirl scoring when it was still a Listed race.

Chris Waller's stable representative Charlie Duckworth said following the win:

“Chris has got an excellent record in the race so continuing on from the great horses that have won it. It was an excellent ride from Tommy and when the race separated into two separate divisions early in the race I was a little bit worried – it could have been a bit of an issue.

“The tactics were similar to how we rode her last start in Sydney. We were relying on her good turn-of-foot and we were confident that she would stay out the distance.

“She’s going to stay very well. They think she’ll easily get 2000 (metres), so she’ll be a real force to be reckoned with in autumn. But she’s, obviously, building a nice record and adding some all-valuable black type to her page.”

When asked about the strong tempo, Tommy Berry explained:

“It really (the pace) brought my filly out of her comfort zone quite a bit, but that happened last start as well.

“And by the time she got to the corner, she grabbed hold of the bit and showed a good turn of foot, and even today, I had pressure from the inside coming to the corner, wanting to push me out of the way.

“I just didn't want to get into a bumping duel, because she's a filly that loses balance quite easily. So I let that horse sort of take me where he wanted, and I knew it was a long straight, and we had plenty of time to pick them up, she won with plenty of authority, and Chris, he knows what horses to bring for this race, that's for sure.”

Sale info: Presented by Kenmore Lodge at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Panova was purchased by Ciaron Maher for $325,000.

Pedigree info: Panova is the first foal of Love Me Quietly (Trusting) who has a 2-year-old colt by Castelvecchio and a yearling filly by The Autumn Sun, and is due to foal to Ozzmosis this spring.

Love Me Quietly won three races, one at two, and is a half-sister to G3 Red Anchor Stakes winner Charge (Zoustar). This is the family of Group 3 winner Niagara Falls (Danehill {USA}), dam of G2 Reisling Stakes winner and G1 Golden Slipper-placed Elite Falls (More Than Ready {USA}).

Sheza Alibi bursts through to score in the Vanity

It’s not often a G3 winner at Flemington during Cup Week begins their career by being beaten in a maiden at Rockhampton, but that’s the story of Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) now in the care of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.

After running a good, battling third in Listed company behind subsequent G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy as a late 2-year-old, the decision was made to move her south, and it has proven a masterstroke.

The speedy Stardom (Zoustar) crossed the field from a wide gate and led at a strong tempo, with the field bunched in behind. Sheza Alibi was buried in the run under Luke Nolen and, for a moment, looked set to be a hard-luck story.

But once Nolen found clear air, the filly quickened sharply and charged through to win dominantly by just under two lengths. Teine Aulelei (Tagaloa) picked up valuable black type in second, while Icarian Dream (Blue Point {Ire}) ran her usual honest race in third, a further two and a half lengths away.

Co-trainer Peter Moody was impressed with the performance and said the signs were there after her previous run.

“She laid the foundation of Caulfield with a very good effort in a strong race behind two very good colts, out to a more suitable 1400 (metres) she looked well-placed.

“Well done to connections, Freddie Noffke, the owner, and the handsome team up in Rockhampton that had this filly through her early days.

“She’s gone through Townsville and Rockhampton and places like that, and to see her come here and perform on Derby Day on the biggest stage, congratulations to all involved, and Katherine and my team, we've had her down here for a good few months now, and she's done nothing but please us, so a well-deserved victory today."

Sales info: Sheza Alibi was purchased by Fred Noffke for $10,000 from the 2023 Inglis Digital June Sale.

Pedigree info: Sheza Alibi is by the former Coolmore Stud shuttling stallion Saxon Warrior, and is the fourth foal out of Sheza Gypsy (Shaft), who was a six-time winner up to 1300 metres.

She is a half sister to Rom Baro - Kingsfield (H.K.), he was seven-time winner in Australia and Hong Kong, and among those wins was the Listed Canberra Guineas before he was exported to Hong Kong.

The talented Beethog (Shovhog) who was successful at Group 3 and Listed level features further down in the page, and she also left the G2 Reisling Stakes winner Glistening (Zoustar).

Cover image courtesy of Sportpix

Autumn Glow stamps herself a superstar with Golden Eagle triumph

Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) continued her meteoric rise on the Australian turf, claiming victory in the $10 million Golden Eagle at Royal Randwick on Saturday. The 4-year-old mare, unbeaten in eight career starts, surged to a comfortable one and a quarter length win over Sepals (Calyx {GB}), with Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) holding on for third.

Her unbeaten streak now puts her in the rarefied company – with comparisons already being made with Chris Waller’s former world champion Winx (Street Cry {Ire}), who captured the nation’s imagination with her historic 33 consecutive race wins.

Ridden by James McDonald, Autumn Glow demonstrated class and composure over the 1500 metres, handling testing conditions with ease. James McDonald positioned the mare perfectly, three wide with cover before she quickly slipped into an ominous position up on the outside coming into the straight. She quickly hit the front and despite momentarily being challenged by Sepals inside the final furlong, Autumn Glow found another gear to race clear late.

Trainer Chris Waller praised the mare’s talent and determination.

“She is a star,” Waller said.

“It is as simple as that. She does it each and every time. There is nothing that shows us that much at home. That heart and determination and presence that she has is really quite special.”

“Today’s race was tricky. We could see the track was hard to get a handle on. Some horses aren’t getting through the going as well as you would like. Horses on pace were dominating. We knew we had to be a bit closer and they were running fast through the mid-stages. James was at her to stay with them. For her to come out as Darren Flindell said to ‘open the shoulders’ was pretty special to watch.”

James McDonald echoed the trainer’s admiration.

“She gives me that oohla la feeling. I don't think we've seen the best version of her yet either. So just incredible. We’re so lucky to have her. She can be out on her feet and she just keeps finding. She's incredible, I'm telling you. She is fair dinkum,” McDonald said.

On what many described as her first real acid test in tough conditions, McDonald added, “She knew she was out there today. That was her first run where she really had an acid test put to her and she came through it well, but she's done a great job. She's incredible.”

The win cements Autumn Glow’s status as the new top-seed for Waller's star-studded stable, with the team already eyeing future big-race opportunities.

“Chris Waller is a genius, he'll work it out. I don't really need to tell him where he wants to put her, but God, I'd love to see her in a Cox Plate,” McDonald said.

With her record now 8-for-8 and earnings of almost $7 million, Autumn Glow looks set to capture the imagination of racing fans nationwide, hinting at a new era of Australian turf superstars and carrying the promise of greatness akin to the legendary Winx.

Pedigree info: Autumn Glow is by The Autumn Sun out of Via Africa (Saf) (Var {USA}). She is a three-quarter sister to Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes winner and exciting young sire In The Congo.

Sales info: Bred by Newhaven Park Stud, Autumn Glow was sold as a weanling to Silverdale Farm and Shrone Bloodstock for $600,000. She later sold at the 2023 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $1.8 million to Arrowfield’s John Messara and partners Hermitage.

Pride Of Jenni stuns again with Empire Rose masterclass

Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) added yet another breathtaking performance to her stunning career in the G1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, proving that age is no barrier for one of Australia’s greatest mares.

In typical ‘Jenni style’, the eight-year-old led her rivals by more than 10 lengths mid-race and surged home to win comfortably under Declan Bates, with New Zealand star Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn) only managing to get wthin four and a half lengths back in second, with On Display (Fastnet Rock) a neck further back in third.

Ridden with supreme confidence by Bates, Pride Of Jenni’s relaxed start belied the sheer dominance she would display over the mile.

“She cantered around to the gates so relaxed which is actually a bit unlike her so I was a bit unsure coming around, but after a hundred metres in the race I knew we were winning,” Bates said.

“She got to her top nicely and kept extending every time I asked, I just knew there was nothing that could run us down.”

The mare’s performance marked a return to the form that saw her crowned Australia’s Champion Racehorse of the Year in 2023-24, following her previous Empire Rose Stakes triumph and multiple Group 1 victories.

“She was retired, I was sacked, and that was all good, everyone was OK, but to be standing here, winning another Group 1 is making me emotional,” he said.

Trainer Ciaron Maher was equally moved, praising both the mare and the team behind her.

“Ecstatic, and appreciative and respectful. Just an amazing horse. To continually do what she does, she never ceases to amaze me,” Maher said.

“I can’t thank the team, Dec, he’s a beautiful guy, rides her fantastic, Tony, fair play to him… the mare’s happy, she’s sound and doing what she loves, there’s nothing better, winning a Group One. I just want to give her a pat and a hug and slap Dec on the back.”

With another Group 1 victory added to her extraordinary career, Pride Of Jenni has once again confirmed her place among Australia’s true turf legends. Her record now stands at 42 starts for 12 wins and just shy of $11.5 million in prizemoney.

Pedigree info: Pride Of Jenni is by Coolmore stallion Pride of Dubai out of Sancerre (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}), a daughter of Group 1 Queensland Oaks winner Vouvray (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}). She is the best of two winners from her dam and was bred by Trelawney Stud.

Sales info: Purchased for $100,000 by Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Stud at the 2019 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from the Segenhoe Stud draft.

No Ka Ying, no problem for Jimmysstar in Russell Balding Stakes

After a big effort running second to Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) in the $20 million G1 The Everest, Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) showcased a scintillating performance at Randwick, sneaking up the rail before coming off heels to challenge and power past Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) to claim a dominant victory in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes.

In The Everest, Jimmysstar was ridden aggressively against his usual pattern to unsettle Ka Ying Rising but this time Ethan Brown opted for a more conservative approach. Tracking along the inside for much of the race, Jimmysstar timed his run perfectly, accelerating past Mazu and drawing clear to win by two and three-quarter lengths. Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) finished strongly for second, with Mazu holding on for third.

The victory marked another chapter in an already stellar career for Jimmysstar, who now boasts ten wins from 22 starts and earnings of over $6 million, including Group 1 victories in the All Aged Stakes and Oakleigh Plate.

Trainer Ciaron Maher praised the consistent performances of Jimmysstar at the highest level this preparation.

“It was well deserved obviously. He has been running big races all prep. His run in The Everest was huge. To back it up two weeks later, after such a big run, it was not easy to do. He is such a tough horse. It was a very good ride from Ethan.”

The Russell Balding Stakes carried a total prizemoney pool of $3 million, with $1.725 million going to the winner. In addition, horses that ran in The Everest, Sydney Stakes, or The Kosciuszko were eligible for the Sportsbet Multi Bonus. Jimmysstar, as a runner from The Everest, picked up an extra $700,000 on top of the winner’s share – an amazing incentive for the best sprinters to stay in Sydney.

“The inside has been a bit off. He was about to stay in the right part of the track without losing momentum. Well deserved for the horse. He keeps getting better. He has raced on soft tracks in the past but not that rain affected. A great thrill to get a big bonus today. A lot of good money in Sydney.”

Jockey Ethan Brown highlighted the gelding’s maturity and turn of foot.

“I love this horse so much. He's a beauty and he's just matured and he knows what it's about. Once we found our spot, he had a beautiful resting run on a good speed and just had to trust his finish. That's what I said to the team and everyone was aware of that. That's what he can do and he certainly showed his true colours today.”

Sales info: Jimmysstar was bred by Pete and Chrissy Algie in partnership with Little Avondale Stud’s Sam and Catriona Williams. The Williamses and the Algies remain part of the ownership group.

Pedigree info: Jimmysstar is by Per Incanto (USA) out of Anniesstar (Zed), a five-time winner including the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m). Anniesstar has produced three named foals, all winners, including Charms Star (NZ), a G3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes winner and dual Oaks-placed filly.

Warnie breaks through as Bennett Racing quinella the G2 Damien Oliver

After a series of unlucky near-misses, Warnie (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}) finally delivered his first Australian stakes victory in the $500,000 G2 Damien Oliver at Flemington on Derby Day, swooping late under Mark Zahra to claim a hard-fought win by half a length over stablemate Zou Sensation (Zoustar), giving Bennett Racing a memorable quinella.

The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding had previously run into misfortune on several occasions. Last start he was second behind turf star Private Eye (Al Maher) in the G3 Moonga Stakes, while prior to that he was narrowly beaten in the Paris Lane Stakes, finishing fourth just over a length off Media World (Written Tycoon).

Earlier in the season, Warnie (Ire) ran third in the G2 Moreton Cup at Eagle Farm and was beaten less than half a length in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford. Across all these runs, it was his style of racing, often held up or flashing late, that denied him the victory.

At Flemington, everything aligned. Zahra settled Warnie in a tracking position behind the pace set by Zou Sensation before peeling out at the top of the straight. With clear running, Warnie powered down the long Flemington straight to claim the lead in the final stages. The unlucky, Enxuto (Lean Mean Machnine) closed strongly to finish just over a length behind the winner.

“It’s just sensational!” Nathan Bennett said.

“Warnie has been a very unlucky horse, but today everything went right. Zou Sensation has been incredible too – to quinella a big race on Derby Day is just huge for our team.

“Warnie just needed a race to fall his way. The pace and the ride were perfect, and he let down beautifully. To see both our horses finish one-two is fantastic for everyone involved.”

Maher was thrilled for connections and paid tribute to work done by the Bennett syndications team.

“He just needs things to go his way – he needs pace on and he has that really good turn of foot when he gets it,” Maher said.

“It was a perfect ride by Mark and the race just set up beautifully. He can really let go and he has been building up to a race like this. It is fantastic for Nathan Bennett and his team, to quinella a big race on Derby Day is a credit to them.”

Warnie's record now stands at 4 wins from 17 starts with prizemoney just shy of $700,000.

Sales info: Warnie was purchased from the 2023 Tattersalls 2yo Horses In Training Sale by Bennett Racing and Blandford Bloodstock for 65,000gns (AU$136,960).

Pedigree info: Warnie is from winning dam Cumbfree (Ire), a daughter of English 2000 Guineas winner and successful sire Footstepinthesand (GB) . She is a half-sister to French Listed winner On Call Now (GB) (Acclamation {GB}).

Caballus brings the form south to claim the G3 Rising Fast Stakes

After flashing home from the tail to finish fifth, beaten just over a length, in the $2 million Sydney Stakes, Caballus (I Am Invincible) brought that sharp form south to Flemington on Derby Day, producing a polished and powerful display to claim the G3 G.H. Mumm Rising Fast Stakes.

The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding, the subject of solid market support to start the $4.20 favourite, was given a patient and confident ride by Tommy Berry. Tracking the early tempo set by Star Patrol (Starspangledbanner), Berry peeled out at the 300m mark and unleashed Caballus, who sprinted powerfully down the straight to claim a decisive victory.

The win marked two victories from three starts since being gelded, with Caballus now shaping as a serious sprinter for the future. It also gave Berry his second win from the first three races on the Flemington card, after steering Panova (Trapeze Artist) to success in the Carbine Club Stakes for Chris Waller earlier in the day.

“When we found the back of the horse in the market, Star Patrol, after a furlong and a half - all the stars aligned,” Berry said.

“He was able to take me up until we joined the course proper and I just popped him out to get a bit of air. He got a little lost at the furlong but when I pulled the stick through to the right he went into another gear and was too strong.”

“It was great to get another winner for Darby and Baker, we don’t do it very often, but when we do we are usually victorious.”

Formerly Coolmore-owned and Chris Waller-trained, Caballus was purchased by Darby Racing for $315,000 via the Inglis Online Auctions in late 2023. He had previously won the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes in February of last year. However, when his form gradually tapered off after that win, connections made the tough decision to geld him. Since then, the gelding has thrived under Baker’s care, with the Rising Fast triumph marking his fifth career victory and third stakes win from 16 starts, and total prizemoney now nearing $800,000.

For Baker, the win added further depth to an already strong carnival showing, while for Darby Racing, it continued their remarkable run of success with tried horses trained from the Warwick Farm stable.

Chasing gallantly, Geegees Mistruth (Wordsmith) finished a length back in second, while Bosustow (Blue Point {Ire}) closed strongly to grab third, a further length and three-quarters from the winner. Star Patrol, who rolled forward to control the race, weakened noticeably over the final 200m to finish near the tail.

Sale info: Raced by Coolmore and partners initially, Caballus was a $1 million Inglis Easter purchase for Tom Magnier from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft.

Pedigree info: Bred by Reg Ryan, he is the best of five winners from five to race from Group 3-placed mare Calming Influence (Commands), a daughter of stakes-winner Calming (Zeditave).

Calming Influence has a yearling filly by Ole Kirk and produced a filly by Zoustar this Spring.

Caballus is the sixth stakes-winner this season for Yarraman Park’s champion sire I Am Invincible.

America

Gstaad wins the Juvenile Turf for O'Brien and Starspangledbanner

By Alan Carasso

Team Ballydoyle was dealt a bit of a blow Friday when having to scratch their once-beaten dual Group 1 winner Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) out of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf with a cough. But the opening day of championship weekend ended on a high note for the operation, as heavily favored Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) overcame a slow break and torrid trip to take out the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf by a three-fourths length margin that entirely belies the dominating nature of the victory.

For trainer Aidan O'Brien, it was a history-making success, as Gstaad was providing him with his 21st Breeders' Cup winner, surpassing the record previously held by the recently departed Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. It was an eighth victory fourth consecutive winner of the Juvenile Turf for O'Brien, following on from Victoria Road (Ire), Unquestionable (Fr) and Henri Matisse (Ire) the last three years.

“I'm just so delighted,” said O'Brien, whose first Breeders' Cup victory ironically came on the dirt with Johannesburg at Belmont Park in 2001. “Obviously everyone knows that we're in just this unbelievably privileged position. To (be) working for the lads that put so much in since we have come to Ballydoyle, all the way, breeding, buying, employing everybody, putting the pedigrees together and letting the horses and asking them and wanting them to come here for everyone to see them race.

“We feel so privileged. And like obviously working for such special people. And today what could I say. Incredible. Christophe gave him a beautiful ride.

I'm so delighted, so delighted for the lads, really. They're the ones that make it happen day in and day out. Like I say, we feel very privileged to be in the position that we are, really.”

It should be noted that just two of Lukas's 20 victories came following the expansion of the Breeders' Cup in 2007, but did include a win in the short-lived Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint with Hightail in 2012.

The aforementioned Henri Matisse overcame the outside barrier 12 in validating favoritism at odds just short of 4-1 last year, but off his body of work at home this season, Gstaad was nevertheless backed to the tune of 6-5 despite once again landing the visitors' draw this past Monday.

With Ryan Moore forced to miss this year's Breeders' Cup meeting with an injury, Christophe Soumillon has been riding the Ballydoyle first-stringers over the course of the recent weeks, but was in search of his first win at the championships since piloting Germany's Shirocco (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) in the 2005 Turf at Belmont Park.

Things were off to a fairly inauspicious beginning Friday afternoon. Gstaad missed the kick by perhaps a half-length and the Belgian-born, but French-based rider asked this year's G2 Coventry Stakes romper for a bit of early zip to gain some semblance of early position and was more or less able to slot in Gstaad into about the three path as 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Outfielder (Speightstown) went at it hammer and tong with local hope Hey Nay Nay (Ire) (No Nay Never).

Trapped out three deep with no cover rounding the first turn as the top two match-raced away from their rivals, Soumillon was content to play the hand he'd been dealt and Gstaad was still off the course and slightly worse than midfield passing halfway. Slipped a bit of rein by Soumillon with three and half furlongs to travel, the 450,000gns (AU$950,000) Tattersalls December foal acquisition had improved into about fifth position and was well in hand while working into the race ominously despite covering stacks of ground.

On the back of the prominent-throughout Street Beast (Street Sense) four wide off the final corner, Gstaad was yanked off that one's heels and stayed on nicely to score as GIII Zuma Beach Stakes hero Stark Contrast (Caravaggio) made late inroads at the fence to spice up the exotics. North Coast (Ire) (Starman {GB}) improved for the firmer footing to round out the trifecta.

“I was loaded last, and when the guy who put me in the gate went backwards, he got a bit scared and turned his head and they opened the gates,” Soumillon explained. “I think if I had been loaded before the last, I think he would have jumped nearly in front because he's got that much speed. I was quite happy to be able to get him in, because doing three or four deep on the first corner is not a big advantage.

A debut winner at Navan in Ireland May 17, Gstaad rolled home by three lengths in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot a month later. In three subsequent tries in some of Europe's top juvenile Group 1 contests, Gstaad was beaten by a length combined, going down by a neck in Deauville's Prix Morny Aug. 21, by a head in the Sept. 14 National Stakes at the Curragh and by three-parts of a length when last seen in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Oct. 11.

O'Brien and Soumillion will likely be favored to add to their totals when teaming with Minnie Hauk (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in Saturday's GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf.

Pedigree Notes: Gstaad is the 10th elite-level scorer for his sire, whose other notable produce includes State of Rest (Ire), a Group 1 winner in America, France, England and Australia; and the Hong Kong-based milers California Spangle (Ire) and Beauty Eternal (Aus). Rhea Moon (Ire) won the GI American Oaks on this circuit. Daughters of Exceed and Excel have now produced 16 winners at the top level.

Bred by Kelly Thomas of Maywood Stud, Gstaad is one of five winners from six to race from his dam, whose son Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) took the Morny and G1 Middle Park Stakes as a 2-year-old in 2023 and was third in the 2024 G1 July Cup at Newmarket.

Hailing from the deeper female family of July Cup winner Anabaa (Danzig) and French Classic winner Always Loyal (Zilzal), Gstaad is the last listed produce for the now 18-year-old Mosa Mine.

Balantina explodes late to capture Juvenile Fillies Turf

By Stefanie Grimm

Sometimes a horse just tells you when they're sitting on go.

Nearly all the way from the post parade to the gate Friday at Del Mar, Donnacha O'Brien's Balantina (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) was taking jockey Oisin Murphy for a ride, kicking up her heels in dramatic fashion through her warm up and generally looking like a filly ready to roll.

And ready she was. With a powerful late-running move, the 20-1 longshot exploded up the rail to capture the GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

The most experienced runner in the field with five starts already under her belt and perhaps the most well-traveled filly as well, Balantina began her career in Ireland, taking two starts to break her maiden at the Curragh going six furlongs each time. Clearly her connections saw something promising as they shipped her to England's prestigious Royal Ascot meet where she came third in the G3 Albany Stakes 2 1/2 lengths behind classy filly and subsequent Group 1 winner Venetian Sun (Starman {GB}).

From Ascot, O'Brien then shipped his filly to France where she just missed by the narrowest of margins in the G3 Prix Six Perfections Stakes at Deauville Aug. 3. From there, she returned to Ireland where she could manage no better than a non-factor fifth in the G2 Debutante Stakes Aug. 23.

Overlooked on the wagering boards Friday even after the day-of scratch of near-undefeated morning-line favorite Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Balantina continued a trend she'd down in previous races and was one of the last fillies to leave when the gates opened. Drawn wide and only faster than two other rivals who both dropped down to her inside, the longshot was able to clear that trailing pair and make the rail by the time Japan's Switch in Love (Jpn) (Contrail {Jpn}) led the field into the clubhouse turn.

On the fence and nicely covered up for the run up the backstretch, Balantina stayed boxed in through fractions of :22.33 and :45.96 with race favorite Ultimate Love (Curlin) just in front of her nearing the half-mile pole. As the pacesetter began to wilt around the far turn amid pressure from 64-1 shot Celebrity Warrior (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), the field began to swarm to the front and Balantina was left with nowhere to go with less than a quarter mile to run. It was the undefeated Ground Support (Army Mule) who burst through to lead but the rail was left open for Balantina and she needed no further encouragement, coming through along the fence in decisive fashion to clear off ahead of a closing Pacific Mission (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) who made up ground late to steal second. The final time for the mile was 1:35.07.

With Balantina's win, O'Brien picked up his first Breeders' Cup victory while Oisin Murphy added a second to his tally having first taken the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff in 2021 for Japan with Marche Lorraine (JPN) (Orfevre {Jpn}). She is also the second Breeders' Cup winner on the day for the Medallion Racing partnership who also took down the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint with Cy Fair (Not This Time) to open the championship action at Del Mar.

“This is very special,” O'Brien said. “It was fantastic. Precise is a Champion filly so when she was scratched it made it a little bit easier for us, but it's incredible. Oisin was majestic on her. She was slow away but when he got her on the rail he had the luck and had enough filly beneath to go and win the race so it's brilliant.”

“She probably ran a bit tired last time at the Curragh but she was just beaten on the line when Tom (Marquand) rode her at Deauville and she was beaten by a filly, the best 2-year-old French filly (Green Spirit),” Murphy added. “If she didn't run disappointing at the Curragh, she'd have been the favorite. Irad (Ortiz Jr.) broke inside me but he didn't have a great start and I was able to get up inside him and save ground on the first turn. Got in the back of the favorite (Ultimate Love) and when she switched out turning in, I was able to go up the inside, but I had the horse though. She's a great athlete and that's why she was able to handle the track so well.”

Pedigree Note: Balantina is the third top-level winner (joining Zulu Kingdom and Lush Lips {also co-owned by Medallion}) and fifth overall group/graded winner for Ten Sovereigns, a son of No Nay Never who began his second career at Coolmore Stud and was sold to Turkey to stand at the end of 2024. A €100,000 (AU$176,550) purchase out of the Arqana August Yearling Sale for Avenue Bloodstock/Parkland/Bawnmore, she is the fourth winner from as many to race for Balankiyla (Fr), a mare who has already produced French GSW Baiykara (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}).

Second dam Balankiya (Fr) also had a prolific second career, responsible for GI Secretariat Stakes winner Bayrir (Fr) (Medicean {GB}) and GSP Evershed (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Balantina, now with group/graded placings in three countries, has a yearling half-brother by Churchill (Ire). Balankiyla, culled for just €36,000 (AU$63,560) in 2021 at the Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale, has not produced a foal nor been reported bred since 2024.

Ted Noffey completes undefeated season in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile

By Steve Sherack

Spendthrift Farm's Ted Noffey (Into Mischief), a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard,' completed his championship season a perfect four-for-four with a one-length decision in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar.

Longshot Mr. A. P. (American Pharoah) rallied to grab second from 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Brant (Gun Runner).

Ted Noffey is the 16th Breeders' Cup winner for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and his fifth in the Juvenile.

“What I think is impressive is, when you're shipping cross country and you're coming to Del Mar, running against Bob Baffert and his best colts, it's tough,” Pletcher said. “It's a road game and you've got to have a really good horse to do that.”

Off as the much-deserving 4-5 favorite in the scratched-down field of six following top-shelf wins in the GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful S. Sept. 1 and GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity Oct. 4, Ted Noffey shadowed second-choice Brant in second through fractions of :23.46 and :46.99.

Traveling smartly beneath Hall of Famer John Velazquez, Ted Noffey turned up the heat approaching the top of the stretch and gained command as they straightened.

Ted Noffey looked like he was well on his way to a runaway victory, but the two-for-two Brant, making his two-turn debut for Bob Baffert off a win in the GI Del Mar Futurity, was a stubborn foe along the rail.

Brant battled back gamely down the lane, but Ted Noffey was always going the better of the two. Ted Noffey finally put away his fellow gray in deep stretch and was never seriously threatened by the late run of Mr. A. P., a $150,000 claim by David and Holly Wilson.

“I was very confident,” Velazquez said of his 22nd career winner at the Championships. “The only thing he did a little bit was he idled really bad at the eighth pole, getting to that shadow between the building, and he kind of waited. After that, he passed the shadow and the two horses came in and he went back in and re-engaged again.”

Everyone knows the 'typo' story behind his name now. Ted Noffey is named, tongue in cheek, for Spendthrift Farm's longtime General Manager and Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club 2024 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year Ned Toffey, who had his named misspelled in a recent interview with a trade publication.

“I think the thing that has struck me about it is just the reaction from people, just all the well wishes and people seem to get a charge out of it,” Toffey said. “So, that's fun. I think we're having fun with it. People are having fun with it. I think that's a good thing for the sport.”

Spendthrift Farm owner Eric Gustavson added, “We just feel so blessed to have Ted, and the two Hall of Famers got all that God-given ability out of him and that we're sitting here today. What a thrill.”

Pedigree Notes: Ted Noffey, a $650,000 (AU$993,500) Keeneland September yearling purchase, becomes the ninth Breeders' Cup winner and second straight Juvenile winner for Spendthrift Farm's six-time reigning champion general sire Into Mischief. He is one of Into Mischief's 27 top-level winners.

Ted Noffey's dam SW & MGSP Streak of Luck (Old Fashioned) brought $620,000 (AU$947,650) from winning breeders Aaron and Marie Jones at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. She is also responsible for a yearling filly by Munnings ($425,000 (AU$649,600) KEESEP yearling purchase by Repole Stable) and an Into Mischief colt of this year. She was bred back to Not This Time.

Superstar: Gun Runner's Super Corredora an upset winner in Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

By Steve Sherack

Super Corredora (Gun Runner) cleared her eight rivals beneath an aggressive Hector Berrios heading into the clubhouse turn, and never looked back in Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar.

Favored 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Explora (Blame) was second. Fellow 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Percy's Bar (Upstart) was third.

Super Corredora becomes the fourth Breeders' Cup winner for trainer John Sadler and first for Berrios.

“She's a filly we had really high hopes for,” Sadler said. “We're in our own backyard. We weren't sure we were going to run, but we trained her a little bit here and she trained well and here we are.”

Berrios added, “(John Sadler) told me to be confident. And now I'm very excited for this moment. It's an amazing day for me today, for my career.”

She led by a length through fast fractions of :22.42 and :45.63 and let it out a notch rounding the far turn. She kept finding in the stretch to win in game fashion by 3/4 of a length.

Super Corredora is campaigned in partnership by West Point Thoroughbreds, Spartan Equine Racing, Robert C. Gardiner and Michael W. Olszewski. West Point was among the ownership group behind the Sadler-trained Classic winner and Horse of the Year Flightline.

Pedigree Notes: Super Corredora, a $400,000 Keeneland September yearling, becomes the third Breeders' Cup winner–his second in the Juvenile Fillies–for leading young sire and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Gun Runner. He is now the sire of 12 winners at the top level. This is the second GISW for broodmare sire Super Saver.

“I always expected her to improve around two turns. The Gun Runners, there's not a hotter stallion in the country than Gun Runner,” Sadler said. “And to me they move up.”

Super Simple, a winning homebred for Winchell Thoroughbreds, brought $300,000 (AU$611,400) from winning breeder Woodford Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. Super Simple is a half-sister to the stakes-winning dam of MGISW Gunite (Gun Runner). She had a colt by Taiba this year.

Not This Time’s Cy Fair takes Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint

By J.N. Campbell

On 'Future Stars Friday' at the Del Mar Breeders' Cup World Championships, there was a special twinkling in the eye of Reagan Swinbank, the co-owner of 2-year-old Cy Fair (Not This Time–Remarqued, by Arch). The Texan had just watched his filly take the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and become only the second female to accomplish the feat in this race.

An OBS April grad, Cy Fair was named a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', after being unveiled a winner by 3 1/4 lengths while sprinting over the grass at the Spa July 10. Taking on a black-type over course and distance, the filly just missed in the Bolton Landing Stakes Aug. 17.

Cy Fair was last seen shipping up to Woodbine where she faced open company in the Algonquin Stakes at Woodbine Oct. 5. Cutting back a touch to five panels on the turf, the bay won by same margin as her maiden.

Installed as a 5-1 shot here, Cy Fair broke clean and fast, which allowed jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who was looking for his 21st Breeders' Cup win, to shift over a couple of lanes, as Schwarzenegger (Not This Time) carved out the fractions.

The George Weaver trainee was initially between horses as the far turn arrived, but the filly started to accelerate and go after the leader. At the top of the lane, Cy Fair was just finding her best stride and at the eighth pole she told Schwarzenegger as she went by, 'I'll be back.” The 2-year-old bested the bunch by 1 3/4 lengths.

Fellow 'TDN Rising Star, present by Hagyard', Brussels (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) rallied to finish as the runner-up.

“I can't describe it,” said trainer George Weaver, who celebrated his first Breeder' Cup win. “It's why we all get in the game. It's hard to win these big races like this, and it's my first Breeders' Cup. We've had a great year, and I'm thankful to my staff, thankful to all the clients that supported me. We've got some nice horses, and she's one of the top ones.

“She's been a bullet all year long,” he said. “Frankly, I don't know how she got beat the second time we ran her in a stake. But she looked fantastic at Woodbine, like a super, special horse. She came over here and did it against the best in the world. We're thrilled.”

Pedigree Notes: On the same week as a stallion share (2% interest) in budding super sire Not This Time (by Giant's Causeway) went to John Sikura of Hill 'n' Dale fame for $3 million (AU$4.59 million) during the Keeneland Championship sale, Cy Fair handed the Taylor Made sire his 10th top level victory. She joins fellow Grade I winning females Sacred Wish and Princess Noor, who both made a visit to the Del Mar winner's circle.

The winner's dam is responsible for a yearling filly by Omaha Beach. After being taken home by Hickory Grove Farm for $225,000 (AU$343,910) at the 2025 Keeneland January sale, Remarqued foaled a filly by Nyquist in March. She was bred back to that same Darley sire for next term.

Cy Fair's second dam, MSW Citizen Advocate (Proud Citizen), produced MSW Crimson Advocate (Nyquist), who conquered not one, but two Group 2 races during the Royal Meeting at Ascot.

This is a strong family because Citizen Advocate's half-sister is the winning dam Come a Callin (Dixie Union), who in her own right is responsible for champion 2-year-old filly & GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Caledonia Road (Quality Road) and also MGSW Officiating (Blame).

A tactical stock reduction will see DJ Stable part with a selection of high quality bloodstock, but none are more high calibre than Grade III-winning, Grade 1-placed 3-year-old filly Vixen, who will head to Fasig-Tipton’s Night of the Stars sale on Monday, November 3. The filly is also part-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.

A headturner from the first crop of multiple Grade I-winning sire Vekoma (USA), Vixen has already proven a capable athlete, and DJ Stable’s Jon Green believes she has plenty more to give her new connections.

A proper athlete

Vixen is one of 19 Graded stakes race-winning graduates of the 2024 Ocala Breeders' Sales Company Spring 2YO sale - a particularly vintage edition.

“Vekoma’s stud fee has jumped from $30,000 to $75,000 to $100,000 for 2026, as his foals are showing up well on the track and in the sales ring,” Green said. “Kentucky breeders recognise talent and Vekoma has been popular from day one.”

Sire of 14 black-type winners to date, Vekoma descends from the fruitful Fappiano (USA) sireline and shares his own sire Candy Ride (Arg) with the elite American sires Gun Runner (USA) and Twirling Candy (USA).

DJ Stable signed the docket for US$200,000 (AU$306,000) for Vixen, who was offered at Ocala by Steven Venosa.

“We loved Vixen’s breeze,” Green said when recalling why the DJ Stable team were drawn to the filly. “She’s a really athletic and fluid mover. She breezes the way she runs in a race - effortlessly with a tremendous turn of foot. She was one of the most expensive Vekomas offered at a 2-year-old sale that year, so we weren’t the only ones who liked her.”

An international pedigree

More answers to the price tag and anticipations lie in Vixen’s pedigree, with Noble Mission (GB), a successful full brother to Frankel (GB), and Street Cry (Ire) populating the close-up spots on her damline.

While the dams may have performed and produced in the Northern Hemisphere, they are full of strains that are known and proven to work with Australian stock. In addition, Danehill’s (USA) nearest appearance is above Noble Mission’s dam Kind (Ire).

Vixen's third dam Let (USA) (AP Indy {USA}) was a Grade II winner herself and is the dam of GI Jenny Wiley Stakes winner Centre Court (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}), who has herself produced Grade III winner Navratilova (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}). Let’s other offspring include Grade III-winning sire Ravel (USA) and After Thought (USA) (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}), the dam of three stakes performers.

“I think her pedigree is multi-faceted, starting with freshman sensation Vekoma,” said Green. “Vixen was his first Graded stakes winner, and he’s had so many from his first crop. You add in the presence of international sires like Noble Mission and Street Cry into the mix, and her pedigree is legitimately worldwide.”

One of the best

A winner at just her second start, Vixen proved herself worthy of a chance in the GI Natalma Stakes at Woodbine, where she ran second by just a neck, beating out the early leader and subsequent Grade I winner Nitrogen (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}).

“Going into the Natalma, we thought Vixen was going to run well,” Green said. “She ran a truly impressive race and almost gutted out the victory. At the very least, we knew she was one of the best turf fillies in the country.

“I think her post (barrier 13) beat her more than the fillies in the Juvenile Filly Turf next start.”

Almost the widest runner in Lake Victoria’s (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly Turf, Vixen was gallant in defeat and earned a two month break between runs until the January of her 3-year-old year, where she captured back-to-back stakes wins in the Listed Sweetest Chant Stakes and GIII Herecomesthebride Stakes.

“Vixen won at all the major tracks during their most competitive meets,” Green said. “She’s a Grade III winner and Grade I-placed earner of over $530,000. She has been closely beaten by five Grade I winners, which has to be considered when looking at her race record.”

Exactly what you want

With all this in mind, it is not an easy decision to part with the filly. But DJ Stable understands the value she represents, both on the track and in the breeding barn.

“She is exactly what you want in a filly - fluid, athletic, good size, and a wonderful disposition,” Green said. “We are selling over 30 mares and racing prospects in a calculated, curated reduction, but Vixen is the only one we selected to sell at Fasig-Tipton’s Night of the Stars because of her race record, pedigree, conformation and presence.

“She’s sound and could run again in a few weeks, or she could be a phenomenal outcross to most of the major stallions worldwide.”